Examining the Acceptability, Attractiveness, and Effects of a School-Based Validating Interview for Adolescents Who Self-Injure

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents is a significant problem that needs to be addressed, and in some cases managed, in school settings. The current feasibility study uses screening questionnaires and follow up-interviews on NSSI in a community sample of adolescents (N = 1,052) in Sweden. Both adolescents reporting self-injury (n = 66) and a comparison group (n = 31) were interviewed, and information disclosed about self-injury, as well as the results from the interviewers assessments of the seriousness of these behaviors, were examined. Generally, adolescents reported positive feelings about being interviewed, and 52% of those who had reported self-injury in the questionnaire disclosed NSSI in the interviews. Further, a majority of these cases, 76%, were not assessed as very serious. When NSSI was reported in a questionnaire 1 year after the interview, there were no indications of iatrogenic effects from participating in the interview. The results support the feasibility of using NSSI screening questionnaires in combination with follow-up interviews in schools.